In the context of Sangam literature and ancient Kerala history, what specific economic activity was denoted by the term 'Yavana' in relation to the port of Muziris?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In classical Tamil literature, the term Yavana originally referred to Greeks and Romans who sailed across the Arabian Sea to the Malabar coast in search of black pepper and other luxury goods. These merchants brought Roman gold coins and amphorae jars, which have been unearthed in large quantities at Pattanam excavations. The flourishing trade resulted in a massive influx of western currency into the ancient Chera economy.